SPRINGFIELD - Last week city residents and football fans received the sad news that former Patriots defensive tackle Ron Brace, who grew up in the city, had died.
He was found dead Saturday night in his home in the Forest Park section of the city. Brace's life will be celebrated at St. John's Congregational Church, 45 Hancock St., Springfield, on Monday. Calling hours are at 10 a.m. with a funeral service at noon. He will be buried at Oak Grove Cemetery in Springfield.
Brace was just 29. He played football in Boston College after graduating from Burncoat High School in Worcester. He then played 39 career games with the Patriots between 2009 and 2012.
But he was also remembered as a native son who cared about Springfield residents and gave back to the community.
People especially told stories about the charity work he did to help Springfield rebuild after the June 2011 tornado.
Here are some of the things people were Tweeting to remember Brace this week.